Summer is here and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources would like to remind people that marine wildlife — dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales and others — are making their seasonal return to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays.
Anyone who sees a marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters is urged to report it to the state Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program at 800-628-9944. Anglers, boaters and beachgoers should especially be on the lookout for stranded, dead, sick, injured or entangled animals.
In addition to calling the program hotline, anyone who encounters a stranded marine mammal should follow these steps if possible:…